The Best Replacements for Your Tuscan Travertine Tile

Does your home have travertine tile? If you’re reading this, I’m guessing the answer is yes. You can probably find travertine on the floors throughout your home, maybe as a kitchen backsplash, and likely in your bathroom floors and walls, too. If so, you’re not alone. 

These earth-toned tiles were a popular design choice 20+ years ago. Builders and designers went with travertine because it was cost-effective, durable, and complimented the popular Tuscan style of the ‘90s. However, now that those golden beige tones are looking a bit dated, you’re ready to make a change. So what are your options? 

Option 1: Replace Your Travertine Tile

If your travertine feels like an eyesore, the most impactful thing you can do is replace it. This will require a renovation. Although a renovation is a longer time commitment and a sizable investment, it will completely transform the look and feel of your home, making it feel fresh and up-to-date instantly. 

If you keep reading, I’m sharing my top 2 recommendations for great travertine replacements below.

Fresh, timeless, and no travertine in sight!

Option 2: Modernize the Rest of the Home to Help Travertine Feel Fresh

If you’re not ready to rip out the travertine in your space or commit to a renovation, there is still hope. By modernizing and updating the surrounding elements, you can help your travertine blend into the background, giving it fresh new life. (Here are 5 ways to transform your Tuscan-style home without a major renovation.)

Although this probably won’t create the huge transformation you might be dreaming of, these cosmetic updates can have a big impact. Here’s a great example:

This is our client’s Tuscan kitchen Before & After some cosmetic updates. Travertine is still on the floors and backsplash. SO much better, right?

Best Flooring Replacements for Travertine Tile

#1: Luxury Vinyl Plank

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is a fantastic replacement because it perfectly matches the gray and neutral tones that are in style in this decade. We also love these key features of LVP: 

Countless Options: LVP comes in an enormous number of finishes, shapes, and sizes to choose from. Finishes include high-definition patterns that mimic wood or stone for a natural look.

Cost-Effective: LVP is a less expensive material to buy and to have installed.

Low- Maintenance & Durable: This material is designed to take on bumps and scrapes in high-traffic areas, and its water-resistant finish is a desirable option for families with kids or vacation homes by the beach. 

Easy to Install: You can glue it down or interlock it with a click-together or peel and stick method. 

Note: Like any product, not all LVP is made equal, so do your research to ensure you’re getting the best quality, especially if you’re investing time and money into a renovation. If you need assistance, give us a call and we would be happy to help you with your design selections.

In this home remodel, LVP adds a natural wood look, freshness, and will stand up to this family’s love of entertaining.

#2: Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tile is another excellent option for replacing travertine. Here’s what we love about it:

Versatile: Porcelain tiles come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. It can replicate the look of natural stone, and comes in an endless array of colors, patterns, and finishes. 

Cost-effective: The price point of porcelain is much less than most natural stones (like marble), and with technology advancing, it’s becoming more difficult to spot the difference between the two.

Durable & Low-Maintenance: These strong tiles are great for busy spaces like the kitchen and bathroom because they are easy to clean and water-proof. Who doesn’t love that?

This Tuscan-style kitchen started with a travertine tile backsplash and was transformed with a porcelain tile during the renovation. It looks fresh, has great texture, and is ready to withstand anything this kitchen can throw at it.

Note: If you’re leading towards porcelain, there are a couple of downsides to consider. First, these heavy tiles can be very chilly on your toes, so if you’re installing them in a bathroom, consider strategically placing under-floor heating, too. This type of tile can also be hard underfoot (compared to other wood or ceramic tile options), so you may want to invest in area rugs that help add softness and warmth — and style!

The Verdict?

Whichever option you choose, it’s important to select the look, feel, and function that you (or your renters) will enjoy for years to come. Need support with your choices or managing your renovation?

If you're located around Pensacola or Milton, we would be delighted to assist you. We’re a GC/Interior Designer, husband/wife team, and we LOVE helping our clients renovate and remodel with success.

Book a call with us to discuss your project and see if we’re a good match.

Warmly,
Sarah (& Steve)